Brad Pitt’s ‘World War Z’ lands sequel after strong box office start

Troubled zombie flick looked set to flop, but it's proving popular with cinema-goers

A sequel to World War Z is in the works following its strong start at the box office worldwide.

World War Z stars Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane, a UN employee combing the globe for information to stop a zombie epidemic which is already destroying whole nations. The film is based on the acclaimed 2006 novel of the same name by Max Brooks.

Directed by Marc Forster (Quantum Of Solace), the film cost a hefty $190 million (£123 million) to make and looked likely to become a high-profile flop after a troubled production involving rewrites and reshoots. It eventually opened in many nations worldwide this Friday (June 21): six months later than originally planned.

However, World War Z has bucked expectations by earning an impressive $112 million (£73 million) globally over its opening weekend. Thanks to its unexpected popularity, Paramount are now “actively” planning to develop a sequel, the studio’s vice president Rob Moore told The Hollywood Reporter.

As well as starring, Pitt served as a producer on World War Z and Moore praised his efforts in helping the film through its teething difficulties. “The great thing about this process was that it showed what a great partner and producer Brad is. He made a true commitment,” Moore said.
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